Choose the market and prepare a buying list
Start with the product category and required specification. Yiwu’s wholesale markets cover many small-commodity categories, but the appropriate district and supplier depend on what you need. Check the current market directory before planning visits and confirm availability with shortlisted sellers.
Prepare a buying sheet with photographs, material or performance requirements, quantities and destination. Include your maximum acceptable variation between samples and delivered stock. A display sample may differ from the available production batch.
Record each supplier and compare complete offers
- Record the business name, stall location, order contact and legal seller shown on the transaction documents.
- Clarify whether goods are ready stock, made to order or sourced from another producer.
- Ask for minimum quantities, mixed-order conditions, lead times and written sample approval.
- Confirm unit packing, carton quantities, measurements and protection needed for export.
- Request product compliance evidence for the target market before buying regulated goods.
- Keep receipts, order confirmations and payment records linked to each supplier and product line.
For mixed purchases, use a supplier-level receiving list at the consolidation warehouse. Agree how shortages, substitutions and damaged packaging will be reported, then set a buyer approval rule for dispatch. Warehouse receipt alone does not confirm that every product meets the purchase specification.
Compare the total of goods, market collection, inspection, receiving, repacking and freight. Small orders from many sellers can add handling work. Ask whether waiting for the final supplier will create storage costs or delay priority stock.
Prepare a consolidated export shipment
Collect final packing data and commercial information from every seller. Keep product identity visible after repacking and agree how the consolidated document set will be prepared. Confirm the actual exporter, importer and delivery address with the responsible parties.
Can products from several market sellers travel together?
Potentially, if the goods are compatible and the receiving, documentation and release arrangements are agreed. Product restrictions and supplier ready dates still need review.
Should I buy first and ask about certification later?
Check applicable destination requirements before purchase. Missing evidence or unsuitable labelling may require corrective work or make the product unsuitable for the intended market.
Ask about wholesale market sourcing and cargo consolidation using your product list and delivery country.
Reference: Yiwu Government: specialised markets. Check the current official requirements for your shipment.